Album Review: Francis by ESTA

After releasing a couple of beat tapes and collaborative efforts with Kay Franklin and Mack Keane, ESTA has arrived with ‘Francis,' his long-awaited debut album named after his first name.

Courtesy of Paradis.

ESTA is an American DJ and record producer from Southern California. In 2012, the collective Soulection noticed his talent, and since then, his sound has become an exciting mix of emotional styles, from sexy R&B to experimental soul. His songs feel honest and genuine. ESTA is inspired by things that most people don’t pay attention to, like the static from a broken radio at a flea market or the sound of wind coming through a small opening on a balcony. He believes natural beauty is just there, even if it doesn’t try to get noticed.

After releasing a couple of beat tapes and collaborative efforts with Kay Franklin and Mack Keane, we have arrived with Francis, his long-awaited debut album named after his first name, and boasting some well-rounded guest appearances. With the up-tempo first single, “Too Fast,” Joyce Wrice sings about being attracted to someone who can make her lose control and describes her ideal date as watching the sunset with a partner who has a big personality, while Duckwrth raps about not what happens physically but about the feelings that they have for each other.

Driven by a subtle R&B rhythm with shimmering synths and keys, “Konnekt” sets a sensual tone and intimate mood with its lyrics. Tone Stith sings about the intoxicating feeling of being close to someone, both physically and emotionally. He uses the imagery of smoke and touches to describe the experience, highlighting the sensory overload of being with someone you desire. Arin Ray gives off a similar vibe on “Controllin,” where he wants to go with the flow over a super chill, upbeat, and laid-back production.

In “Dangerous Game,” Leon Thomas explores the complexities of love and the potential for heartbreak that fits ESTA’s production so well, as previously sung on his masterful debut, Eletrik Dusk. He desires honesty and transparency but feels their partner is manipulative and avoids vulnerability. With “Outta Space,” Kenyon Dixon and Mack Keane croon into the complexities of a relationship strained by distance and a lack of emotional connection, and “C Thru” has Gwen Bunn singing from the perspective of someone who can see through their partner’s facade as ESTA crafts a smooth and atmospheric soundscape but laced with a concrete tension, mirroring the lyrical themes of distrust and uncertainty.

Jayla Darden wishes for a love that's not just surface-level but one where she can be vulnerable and open on the late ‘90s-influenced “Feel Safe,” one of the album’s best songs where she craves the safety and comfort of really knowing someone and being known by them in return. The Ambré-assisted “Lost In Translation” tackles the difficulties of miscommunication and emotional disconnect in a relationship, but it doesn’t stick out compared to the other standout tracks.

ESTA’s dreamy production on “Fallen Angel” fits nicely with Phabo finding love, but with his inner struggle going on, he is drawn to the thrill of it all, even though he knows it might end badly. Mack Keane and Brandon Banks close out Francis with “Serenity.” The song deals with letting go of a past love, even though it’s hard. Keane and Banks sing about the pain of heartbreak and the struggle to move on. The beat is simple but catchy, with glossy sounds and a lovely melody that sticks with you. ESTA accomplished what he delivered with the album: ten songs with little room for filler.

Great (★★★★☆)

Favorite Track(s): “Feel Safe,” “Dangerous Game,” “C Thru”